The Beguiled, the newest film from Sofia Coppola, is an intriguing period piece set in Virginia a few years into the Civil War. Coppola found a tremendous cast for this small, intimate story. While there are elements in the story that felt slightly underdeveloped, the movie is engaging and well acted.
The Beguiled is a well made, interesting story
Amy (Oona Laurence) is looking for mushrooms in the woods when she stumbles across Corporal McBurney (Colin Farrell), a Union soldier who has been injured. She takes him back to the all girl school run by Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman), who decides to dress his wound. The girls have to decide whether to turn him over to the Confederate soldiers, which will likely result in his death, or allow him to recover.
Farrell’s charm really pours out of the screen in this film. Which is important, as his character, McBurney, charms each of the ladies staying at the school. It could be a result of their isolation and lack of masculinity, but it could also be his kind words and good looks that wins them all over. The trouble occurs with the three oldest women in the house take a romantic interest in him. Despite Miss Martha’s warnings to not interact with him, Edwina (Kirsten Dunst) and Alicia (Elle Fanning), and really all of the girls, take turns spending time getting to know him. Some of these moments feel rushed or even absent from the film, but the moments we see definitely show the ladies falling prey to his charm.
The best scene in the film comes from this victory of McBurney’s. He’s invited to dine with the ladies rather than eat in solitude like he has done each night before. The dinner features each girl giggling at his words and attempting to impress him in whatever way they can. Just their laughs at him infect the audience who all erupted in similar giggles at the silly behaviors the girls are displaying. After dinner leads to conversations, frivolity, and music mixed with some alcohol. There is a moment where Miss Martha is positioned at the head of the triangle as Edwina and McBurney form the base visually. A simple implication that Martha is aware of this connect, but isn’t willing to back down just yet.
Final thoughts…
On top of the interesting story there is solid cinematography and excellent production design. The costumes and the set of the film are gorgeous and appear to be period appropriate. The story does feel a little rushed at times and it may not go where you think it will, but that’s actually a good thing. The Beguiled gets a very positive Decent Watch rating.
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